Belgian marine fighting in Ukraine: Russia’s is war is war against Europe, but it keeps Russian billions frozen instead of helping Kyiv

Belgian UAV operator Anne Catherine Maniette, known by her callsign “Ania Tatu”, who serves in the Ukraine's 37th Separate Marine Brigade, stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop his aggression, even if a peace agreement with Ukraine were signed, per UkrInform. Commenting on European discussions about peace plans, Maniette called them an illusion.

Europe partly responsible for Ukraine's situation

She also noted that European countries are partially to blame for the current situation, as they could have closed Ukrainian airspace earlier or redirected frozen Russian assets toward Ukraine’s defense, but they did not.

Maniette explained that she has spent nearly four years on the frontlines in Donbas, alongside Ukrainian troops, volunteers, and local residents. She is the only foreign female marine with a single leg to have passed the selection process for the Ukrainian Marines.

The war is not only for Ukraine, but for all of Europe

“That’s why I’m here with another message that must be repeated constantly: Putin will not stop,” emphasized Ania Tatu.

She is convinced that even if Ukraine were to agree to certain concessions for peace, it would set a dangerous precedent.

Transferring territory, she said, would only reinforce Putin’s sense of impunity and encourage further aggression.

According to her, the current understanding on the front is that the war is fought not only for Ukraine but for all of Europe.

“The message from the frontline is this: know that this is a war for Europe, not just Ukraine. Ukraine is the wall we hold between Europe and Russia,” she emphasized.

Europe underestimates the threat from Russia and its partners

Speaking about the risk of a potential Russian attack on Europe, Maniette suggested it could have a “wake-up effect”. She expressed a desire to see European politicians react, as she believes they still underestimate the threat.

She added that Europeans should understand what Ukrainians are going through.

Maniette warned that claims about Putin’s lack of resources are misleading, as he receives support from North Korea, China, and certain African countries, and within a few years could fully restore his capacity for new aggression.